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Posey adds Silver Slugger to awards haul

Posey adds Silver Slugger to awards haul

10/28/12: Buster Posey blasts a two-run homer down the left-field line to put the Giants ahead in the eventual World Series-clinching Game 4

By Chris Haft
/
MLB.com |

SAN FRANCISCO -- Sometimes Buster Posey finishes his swing with just his left hand gripping the bat, unless he's following through more traditionally with both hands on the lumber.

Either way, the man can hit.

Posey won the Silver Slugger Award as the National League's top offensive catcher, as announced live Thursday on MLB Network.

Posey complemented his league-best .336 batting average with 24 home runs and 103 RBIs for the Giants, who captured their second World Series in three years.

Posey accelerated his production later in the season, reflecting the increase in elapsed time since the May 25, 2011, home-plate collision in which he sustained multiple left leg injuries. Posey hit .385 with 23 doubles, 14 homers and 60 RBIs in 71 games after the All-Star break.

Louisville Slugger, which sponsored the Silver Slugger Awards, also bestowed a Silver Bat upon Posey for winning the batting title. This continued Posey's considerable awards haul. He has been named NL Comeback Player of the Year in two separate votes and is a finalist for the Baseball Writers' Association of America's prestigious Most Valuable Player award, which will be announced next Thursday. Posey's omnipresent in the GIBBY Awards competition, appearing as a nominee in the Best Hitter, Comeback Player and Postseason MVP categories.

Silver Slugger winners were determined in voting conducted among Major League managers and coaches, who were asked to name the players at each position in each league who put together the best seasons at the plate. Voters were not allowed to select players from their own clubs.

Chris Haft is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.